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What is Baptism - Questions and Answers

WHY BE BAPTIZED?

Because you want to follow Christ’s example.
Mark 1:9 “At that time Jesus came from Nazereth and was baptized by John in the river.”

Because Christ commanded it.
Matthew 28: 19-20 “Jesus said, “Go then, to all people everywhere and make them My disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded.”

Because it shows you are a believer.
Acts 18:8 “…many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.”

Because obeying Christ shows you know him.
1 John 2:3 “We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey his commands.”

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?

It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 “Christ dies for our sins… He was buried… and rose again.”
Colossians 2:12 “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.”

It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
2 Corinthians 5:17 “When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!”
Roman 6:4 “By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead.. so also we may have a new life!”
Ephesians 2: 8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”Baptism does not make you a believer – it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring – it is the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

Every person who has believed in Christ.
Acts 2:41 “Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized.”
Acts 8:13 “Simon himself believed and was baptized”

At LTBC, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

We provide a “Child Dedication Ceremony” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parent promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his/her own personal confession of Christ. This is the difference from baptism talked about in the Bible which is only for those old enough to believe

WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

As soon as you have believed! You shouldn’t delay.
Acts 2:41 “Those who believed… were baptized… that day.”

WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?

Because Jesus was baptized that way.
Matthew 3:16 “As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.”

Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.(Example) Acts 8: 38-39 “…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…”
Colossians 2:12 “By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead.. so also we may have a new life!”

The word Baptize means “To dip under water”.
The Greek word Baptizo means “To immerse or dip under water”.
It best symbolized a burial and resurrection!

WHAT ABOUT BEING BAPTIZED TWICE?
Our church recommends that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer. This doesn’t devalue a prior experience but simply reflects your desire to become baptized in the same way Jesus was baptized.

WILL I HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING?
The pastor will introduce you and will give you an opportunity to tell a bit of your story of how you came to LTBC. We encourage you to speak before your baptism.

WHAT ASHOULD I WEAR WHEN I AM BAPTIZED?
Women should wear short and a top which will preserve modesty. Men may wear a swimsuit and t-shirt. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet articles of clothing. You will be able to change clothes in the restrooms.

CAN MY FAMILY BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER?
Yes!. If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed their trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment. Young children who wished to be baptized are asked to meet with our pastor for a pre-baptism conversation.

WHEN CAN I BE BAPTIZED?
Baptisms are help at the church usually following the Sunday morning service. Please call the church office at 209) 785-4302 if you wish to be baptized.

WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS?
LTBC Pastors can perform a private baptism in special circumstances.